Tampering with fake SIM and IMEI will result in heavy jail term of three years and fine up to ₹ 50 lakh.
New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has cautioned people against fraudulent issuance of SIM cards, misuse of telecom identity information and tampering with the IMEI number of mobile phones. The Department has clarified that fraud in the identification of telecommunication identification numbers and equipment is a serious crime. Those violating the rules may face jail of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
In a warning issued by the Department of Telecommunications, it has been said that obtaining a SIM on the basis of wrong or fake documents or obtaining a SIM card using the identity of another person can lead to legal action. Similarly, fraudulent use of a person’s telecommunication identity is also a serious matter. The department has appealed to consumers and people associated with telecom services to follow the rules.
In today’s time, mobile number has become an important part of a person’s digital identity. Mobile numbers are used for verification on bank accounts, UPI, social media, e-mail, government services and various digital platforms. In such a situation, a SIM issued by misusing a person’s identity can be used for cyber crime, financial fraud or other illegal activities.
The use of fake SIM cards has long been a concern for cyber criminals. In many cases, fraudsters use mobile numbers issued on other people’s documents to hide their real identity. Fake calls, online fraud, banking fraud and other cyber crimes can be done through such numbers. For this reason, the government has tightened the rules related to SIM issuance process and customer verification.
The Department of Telecommunications has also warned against tampering with IMEI numbers. IMEI i.e. International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique identity associated with each mobile device. It has an important use in identifying a device on a mobile network. IMEI number is also useful in the process of identifying and blocking stolen or lost mobile phones.
If the IMEI number of a mobile is changed or tampered with illegally, the real identity of the device can be hidden. This may cause difficulty in identifying stolen mobile phones or equipment used in crime. This is why tampering with IMEI is considered a serious violation.
The Telecommunication Act, 2023 provides for punishment for several offenses related to the use of telecommunication services and networks. Cases such as obtaining a SIM or other telecommunications identity by deceiving a person or through impersonation can result in jail and financial penalties. In some violations, the provision of imprisonment up to three years or fine up to Rs 50 lakh or both may be applicable.
The department’s warning is also important for common consumers. People should avoid sharing their Aadhaar, identity card and other KYC documents with unknown persons. Many times, copies of documents are taken in the name of mobile connection or any other service and there is a risk of their being misused later. Therefore, while getting a new SIM, one should use only the authorized seller and official process.
It is also important for consumers to know how many mobile connections are active in their name. Through the Sanchar Sathi platform of the Department of Telecommunications, users can view information about mobile connections issued in their name. If a number appears in the list which has not been taken by the subscriber, there is also a facility to report it. This can help in identifying fraudulently issued SIMs.
It is important to file a complaint early even in case of stolen or lost mobile phone. The mobile may contain banking apps, personal photos, e-mails and other sensitive information. Therefore, in case of loss of the device, along with blocking the SIM, the process of blocking the mobile can be adopted through the official system.
The Department of Telecommunications is continuously taking action against suspicious mobile connections and devices used in cyber fraud. With the increasing use of digital services, security of mobile number and device identity has become more important than ever. The objective of the department is to make the telecommunication network secure by curbing fake connections and misuse of identities.
After the new warning, it is clear that taking or issuing a SIM on fake identity and tampering with the IMEI number will not be considered a minor violation. In such cases, legal action can be taken along with jail term up to three years and fine up to Rs 50 lakh. In such a situation, mobile consumers have been advised to keep their documents safe and use only authorized means in any process related to SIM.